SIP Team Minutes from Monday, January 10, 2011

SIP Team Minutes January 10, 2011

Call to order.
The meeting was called to order at 3:17PM
Present were Jen Kelsall, Jim Smith, Jill Laubenstein, Michelle Kumor, Jennette Gonzalez, and Rob McCarthy (at 4:00).

Celebrations.
Jennette celebrated that after a scare, one of her authors for the Lit Works has confirmed that he is still coming Jennette went on to celebrate that many schools will now be organizing buses in order to send several students to this now well-publicized event. Finally, Lit Works will have a write up in the Library Journal.

Old Business

A. The Smart Plan under Rising Star was Submitted on December 13. We are now awaiting possible feedback on what was submitted.

B. PDC reported that the January 18th Institute currently has 94 participants signed up. The joint institute organized with our partner school’s, currently has Union Ridge’s entire faculty signed up. Michelle reported the PDC is currently conquering and dividing its remaining tasks. Presenters for the institute have all been notified and have confirmed their attendance.

Michelle went on to note that the PDC will next work with Sam Lewis and the Tech Committee concerning the March 4th institute which is expected to revolve around the website development and training that should occur.

C. PTO – Jill reported that the planned science fair has “completely crashed” due to a lack of response from the partner schools. Some solutions may be to recontact teachers toward the end of the school year to recommend that the joint science fair become a part of the curriculum.

Jill went on to report that she feels the parents on her committee have voiced a reluctance to work on school improvement issued such as communicating to parents and the community regarding Ridgewood’s academics and curriculum.

On a more positive note, Jill reported that her committee is enthusiastic about working on social events such as a possible parent movie night and a picnic.

E. Tech Committee - Sam Lewis was unable to attend the meeting, however Jen Kelsall reported that the December website training went well and that her Bob, and Cheryl plan to determine what information will be required to be added to the website.

Jen continued to report that the next training session for the website will take place on Wednesday, Feb 9th at 1:45 – and then train teachers at March institute.

F. Reading & Literacy – Jennette reported that the committee is currently in the process of having Cari Franz take over as the chair of the committee. Jennette reported that the objective of the R&L committee’s next meeting is to provide resources for teachers regarding expository literature – reading for information.

Jennette went on to report that the passive programming for R&L will next focus on posting Latin Roots around the school.

Additionally the use of older magazines and journals and highlighting articles that are relevant to courses (i.e., National Geographic) will be placed in teacher work areas.

G. Discipline and School Safety – In lieu of Rob’s absence, Jen Kelsall reported that the DSS’s main focus right now is to secure a Reunification Plan for the school.

New Business:

A. SIP Priorities & Action Plans - As a team we reviewed the Action Plans (click to view on Google Docs) that were created after the team had assessed the successful school indicators. Two essential elements were considered only partially implemented by our school.

One was indicator IF08 (Wise Ways 1042) - Professional Development. - Michelle Kumor has been assigned this indicator to see it to its full implementation. You may click on the link to view the plan and tasks.

The second indicator was IVDO3 (Wise Ways 1155) Communication with Parents re: “Curriculum of the Home”. - Jen Kelsall has been assigned this indicator to see it to its full implementation. You may click on the link to view the plan and assigned tasks.

Announcements

The next SIP Team meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 8 at 3:15 in Room 151c.